New questions surface for Donne Trotter

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New questions surface for Donne Trotter

State Senator Donne Trotter is laying-low on Friday, just two days after he was arrested at O’Hare Airport for allegedly trying to bring a handgun and ammunition aboard an airplane.

He didn’t appear to be at his home at 84th and Yates. Phone calls to his offices in Springfield and Chicago haven’t been returned. His 17th district office at 87th and Constance was locked, even though the lights inside were on and people were inside.

He was released on $25,000 bond on Thursday.

Prosecutors say Trotter told police he finished work as a security guard early Wednesday, and forgot his gun was in a zipped-up side pocket of his garment bag, along with a clip that contained six live rounds.

Officials say Trotter has a valid firearm owner’s identification card and is licensed by the state to carry the gun while on the security job and while traveling to and from work at the security company. But, the weapon was not registered in the city of Chicago as required by municipal ordinance.

Trotter is among several contenders who are looking to take over Jesse Jackson, Jr.’s seat in the 2nd Congressional District.

“Donne Trotter will not be the next 2nd District congressman,” says UIC professor Dick Simpson.

“Even if he stays in the race, wherever he goes, instead of talking about policy or talking about his years as a lawmaker, now he’ll only be asked about why he tried to bring a gun onto an airplane.”